Malvin Artley has been a practising astrologer for more than 10 years. He is an
accredited member of the American Federation of Astrologers.
Malvin is the author of Bodies of Fire: An Exploration of the Lesser Chakra System. He has authored numerous articles and was a member of the faculty of the University of the Seven Rays, a non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching of the Trans-Himalayan tradition as expressed through the books of Alice Bailey, Helena Blavatsky and others.His primary focus over the past 25 years has been on the sciences as they express occultism and with bridging work between the two. His
special interests are the human subtle energy system and all
the chakras, or energy centres, physics and technology, astronomy and all
aspects of Chinese occultism. He has done extensive work with Chinese
astrology and the cycles they use and seeks to synthesize the great
Western and Oriental systems on such matters.Malvin lives in Adelaide, South Australia. He also works in the engineering trades and sends out periodic emails about astrological happenings and developments. Click here to subscribe to Malvin's periodic letters.

Leo's Moon [part two]:The Festival of Nations 2005Subtle Meanings of the Full Moon in Aquarius

Malvin Artley concludes his exploration of the esoteric meanings of the Full Moon in Aquarius for 2005. This is Leo's Full Moon, as the Moon is Full in the sign opposing the Sun.

So, the stage is set, and we have not even considered the orthodox planetary patterns yet. We have before us a window wherein a work of real daring, boldness and profound beauty can be introduced. No one does boldness better than a Leo, and we should avail ourselves of the energies coming to us at this full moon. Not only should we rise like the Sun in our full glory at this time, but we should try as much as possible to go that extra distance that brings something new—and of beauty—to the world stage. The aspect of beauty is further elucidated through the symbol for the moon in this figure. It reads thus:

An ancient pottery bowl filled with fresh violets. – 27 Aquarius

Violet is the color associated with the Ray of creative manifestation and the etheric bodies of all physical things—thus with the emerging potency of all things new. It is a uniquely alchemical color. As with this symbol, however, the beauty of the old should always be used whenever possible as a backdrop to the new. It is not advisable to discard the old if it is still of use, especially if beauty still finds display in it. In this symbol we have an effective link with the Cancer full moons just passed. Cancer is all about heritage, and the blessings of the past serve as the backdrop for the energies of the future brought forward in this full moon period. Beauty is revealed in the beating of the heart and the daring of its expression. Leo roars its song to us now and invites the fire in the heart to come forth, like violets touched by the morning Sun.

They will ask, 'Who gave you the right to dare?' Say, 'We dare by the right of evolution....... inscribed in flame in our hearts......'
Daring! Should one understand it as an unheard-of achievement?Shall not daring be the daily repast and the garment of every thought?Will not the prison walls become transparent?And will not the seal of the sacred scroll melt for the one who dares?
In counseling daring, We offer the simplest way.The heart knows the truth of this way. At present one cannot point out any other.
Display daring!

– Agni Yoga 49

The two main standard aspect patterns of this chart, along with the others mentioned previously, echo the sentiments just quoted. First, there is what is known as a “hard rectangle” formed by the Sun/Moon axis in semisquare to the nodal axis. Past and future must merge and produce a work that will add positively to the human condition. The nodes represent the past and the future points of one's fate, and these add to the symbols for the Sun and the Moon. But, there will be struggle to attain this, as indicated by the semisquares and sesquisquares in the hard rectangle. Hard rectangles can give the impetus to break through into new light, but old patterns need to be released in the process. Along with this, though, there needs to be expansion on the useful aspects of the old and their union with the higher possibilities as indicated by the Sun and the North Node, along with the ascendant point at one's locale. It is the Jupiter conjunction with the South Node that gives the need and impetus for expansion on the old.

The other main aspect pattern is the t-square formed by a Mercury/Neptune opposition with Mars square to both planets at the apex. There will be pronouncements made by people in power that will seem to be of great authority, but we should be mindful of deception from such quarters. All things need to be gauged squarely against the measure of the heart in the days to come, for the truth is known in the still silence there. Lastly, the Sun is trine to Pluto is this figure, and people in power will feel emboldened by this full moon. However, there is a stinger in that for those leaders who would foolishly think theirs is the only correct way or that they can manipulate the masses to their ends because Pluto is retrograde at this full moon and the currents of the mass subconscious are running counter to the norm. Leaders are apt to misread the pulse of the populace with Pluto retrograde. What would ordinarily indicate ease in handling large groups of people will go against those who seek to abuse their power and the t-square, along with the other aspects patterns, will work to derail any plans at material gain at the expense of the freedom of others. In all, the effects born of this full moon will be most fascinating to watch.

Leo always points to a life wherein personal best is the order of the day. Although I am not a Leo myself, we all have our “Leo moments” along the lines of personal achievement, and these should eventually find their way into the general service of humanity. It has been said that it is unnatural for a Sun person to live in separateness. The life-force in Leo must be free, like the rays of the Sun shining out in every direction into the black void of the universe. As the Sun gives freely, so the heart of the sattvic Leo warms and encourages the growth of all whom they encounter. The nature of Leo is movement and it causes movement (as growth) in all it touches. So, with all this in mind, what does it mean for us? Where do we see our future growth and sense of “divine discontent”?

Have you ever known a Leo who didn't have a dream in life? I haven't. In my dream I was offered an opportunity—but to seize that I had to take a leap of faith—and I had to follow the lead of His Holiness. Now, I make no claims at being special here. I was offered the opportunity by someone I had never met. I have always enjoyed heights-just not jumping from them. The fact that His Holiness was there spoke something to me, though. His Holiness could easily have been someone else. But, a person in a dream is a symbol granting grace to the one dreaming, no matter who the person in the dream is or their status. And even though neither His Holiness nor I are Leos, the dream occurred in the Leo period, so in the days since then I have been searching my heart—and watching—like a Lion on the hunt. I have always had a deep and abiding connection with the East and I know that a big part of my esoteric work this life is bringing through my long Soul history of pertinent lives that I have spent in the East into this one. His Holiness took a leap of faith earlier in His life. In so doing He has made Buddhism much more accessible to the West. I have made certain leaps of faith in my own life, too, although nowhere near the magnitude of the one made by the Dalai-Lama. Maybe His Holiness is a symbol for a specific avenue of work along Eastern lines for me. We'll see. The jury is still out on my dream. I may say more about it later.

Love will make a person do strange things. Some people leave their pasts completely behind. Some people move halfway across the world. I did. Some people begin to behave in all sorts of bizarre ways. Things are awakened in people who are opened to new love that nothing else would touch. Old capacities from past lives are sometimes awakened. New courses are set. But, with all new love—if it is true love—there is always an expansion of relationships, a unification of purposes and a freshness to life that only an open heart confers. Leo has the capacity to do this for people. It is connected with romance, new love, children and creative projects, after all. I hope in the days to come all of you are either energized toward something new or that your purposes gain renewal.

What is the worst that can happen when we do our best to live a worthy dream? Failure? There is no such thing if an honest effort is made. A broken heart? That fact that we loved someone at all means that Heaven smiles on us and that love will surely and eventually fill our hearts once again. Loss? What is loss but a debt repaid if done in the noblest of causes? No, we lose if we stay to the safe course when opportunity knocks. But, know well the risks you take. Only the foolish jump into the unknown without checking their resources and without consulting their advisors first. Don't expect to see me on the news sailing off the edge of the Empire State Building or standing beside His Holiness-especially with a big grin on my face. But know this: When opportunity comes, I will make due effort. I am at least known for that. I hope the same for you as well.

Malvin Artley is an accredited member of the American Federation of Astrologers. His primary focus over the past 25 years has been on the sciences as they express occultism and with bridging work between the two. His special interests in those fields are the human subtle energy system and all the chakras, or energy centres, physics and technology, astronomy and all aspects of Chinese occultism. He sends out periodic emails about astrological happenings and developments. These letters are sent out as a gift and a service. If you wish to be added to or deleted from the mailing list please let me know. If you feel inspired to pass them on please do so, but do so without alteration or charge. They are sent to people of many persuasions, not just astrologers. Blessings. Click here to subscribe to Malvin's periodic letters.